Here now - Hurricane advice?

[Guest]

Originally Posted by boxblue

We’re in a very similar situation to you, we fly home Saturday 7th.
We’re also in a villa but haven’t really had any contact from the owners/rental company!
Starting to worry about how bad it may be but most reports seem to suggest by the Time it gets to Orlando it should be a cat 1 which isn’t really anything to worry about (apparently!)
we’ve stocked up on water/food etc but we had breakfast at Polynesian this morning and it gave us the idea of possibly booking a few nights in a Disney hotel, maybe Tuesday to Friday, I’ve heard/read lots of good things about Disney being good in these situations, and it may just be a little less daunting being surrounded by other people and lots of Disney staff, rather than on our own in a villa!
It will also give us a chance to experience on site as we’ve never done it before!
It’s obviously an expense we hadn’t planned for but we’re thinking it may be worth it.
Anyone out there been through a hurricane experience before? What was it like?

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We used to live overseas and experienced a hurricane once, it was either a 1 or 2 by the time it made landfall. The house we rented was built for hurricane possibilities with most windows having metal shutters. Those that didn’t we were advised to put big crosses of masking tape on and when I mentioned to colleagues that I would be taking the patio furniture cushions inside I was told, Claudette you need to take the furniture inside!

Our hurricane at its peak lasted from around 9am to 6pm, during this time we were inside (obviously) and stayed away from windows. We went out to look around at about 7pm. Back to work the following day, no issue with supplies. The worst issue was loss of power which took a couple of weeks to be restored to our area, other areas and businesses seemed to get it back quicker.

[mrs rcch]

Originally Posted by Tj28

We are the same as our management company has been rubbish. Been trying to get hold of them and they are not returning calls.
We actually thought we would be ok as our flight was moved forwards from Tuesday to Monday. But now the airport is closed so we won’t be leaving! As a result we need to think about getting supplies. Actually not so worried about water as we have lots of containers in villa and I read somewhere (on here maybe?) about freezing bags of water.

We got stuck in Antigua with a cat1 hurricane about 20 years ago. We actually slept through most of it. We were in a hotel though so were very well looked after, had generators and good advice. So although I know what the storm could be like, I’m a bit worried about being without support.

The main thing from our experience was the amount of water. Everything was wet and it crept into every window frame, under the door etc. Clothes and towels stayed damp. So try and have clean clothes / towels and bedding available and stored away for when it starts.

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Good point, about the water, we ended up with towels by the front door, the wind was driving the rain that hard against the door, it was coming into the villa through the little gap under the door.

Another one to add the the list of things required

[mattyped]

We were caught up in Irma. Take in all the advice etc. But dont let it ruin your holiday. We were in AK the day before irma a beautiful sunny day the parks were a quarter full went to TL in the pm and had the wave pool to ourselves basically. The day the storm hits is a weird day as you basically fend for yourselves. But it is a fast process and will travel through quickly. The parks will reopen asap before you prob have power to your hotel or villa and attractions like the safari in ak wont be open as they need to check trees down etc. But just use the parks as a little world eat drink and enjoy. Itll be an experiance you can tell the family about.

[Gaz Lear]

Someone posted earlier about moving cars into the garage and using them for air con, don’t do that if the engine needs to be running for the air con to work as most do. Last thing you need is carbon monoxide building up when you can’t open any windows!

[spurs444]

Just want to say how good Thomas cook have been.
We are in a villa and they phoned yesterday to offer us 3 nights at the Rosen centre in two rooms with all meals included for our family of 4.
We have accepted as it is best to be safe and hotel looks lovely
Thomas cook get a lot of grief on here but have been excellent in this case

[hayles25]

I have been in a number of hurricanes worst of all Andrew back in 92’. One year we stayed in a villa and everything was fine albeit some buckets being thrown about and our pool net caved in. Another year we stayed at a hotel in Kissimmee and they accommodated breakfast and lunch. Fortunately that same day, cars were out and about for around 8pm and some pizza joints were open! We fly out on the 7th at that point the remainder of the storm will have travelled further up coast. Try not to worry

[7SeasSailor]

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Centre is that Dorian will stay off shore and track up the east coast.

[TEL N KEL]

Originally Posted by Tj28

We are the same as our management company has been rubbish. Been trying to get hold of them and they are not returning calls.
.

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The problem is management companies are run by Humans they too have families and homes, unfortunately they will be just like you worried and trying to sort things out.
They have to get supplies secure there own homes, some may even have to evac to a shelter if there home is not built to take a hurricane.

There is nothing a management company can actually do for you except give you reassuring advise and tell you to make sure you have supplies.

Put your self in there position would you be taking care of your family and home or running around to villa homes checking on guests ?

They will however be there after the event to make sure your home is ok and make good any repairs.

There comes a time when a Hurricane is on the way when it becomes look after your own.

Unfortunately that is how live is in Florida.

[TEL N KEL]

Originally Posted by spurs444

Just want to say how good Thomas cook have been.
We are in a villa and they phoned yesterday to offer us 3 nights at the Rosen centre in two rooms with all meals included for our family of 4.
We have accepted as it is best to be safe and hotel looks lovely
Thomas cook get a lot of grief on here but have been excellent in this case

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That is excellent.
be safe

[TEL N KEL]

Originally Posted by 7SeasSailor

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Centre is that Dorian will stay off shore and track up the east coast.

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It is starting to look good.